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US 4,398,413 AGranted
Leak detection for hermetic enclosures
AssigneeMedtronic, Inc.
InventorT. V. Rao
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method of leak testing hermetic enclosures having a penetrable, self-sealing septum communicating with the interior thereof. Test gas is introduced into the enclosure by means of a hypodermic needle inserted through the septum and then withdrawn. Subsequent monitoring of the enclosure for presence of any escaping test gas confirms if leakage is occurring.
Claims3
A method for detecting leaks in a sealed enclosure, comprising the steps:
- providing self-sealing septum means communicating with the enclosure interior;
- penetrating the septum means with hypodermic-like needle means;
- evacuating the enclosure interior through the needle means;
- introducing an inert gas to the enclosure interior through the needle means;
- withdrawing the needle means from the septum whereby it self-seals;
- placing the sealed enclosure in an evacuated test fixture in communication with means for detecting the gas;
- and
- testing for the presence of gas escaping from the sealed enclosure.
5 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.